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The Great Dane
This book is dedicated to all of us.
At one point or another, all of us have wondered who we are.
All of us have scratched at a label put on us, feeling it didn’t quite fit.
All of us have felt pressured to be something we’re not.
All of us have wished we were someone else.
All of us have looked in a mirror and been confused at what we see.
All of us don armor to do brave a change in voice, a different accent, a favorite sweater, high heels, a good luck charm.
All of us are fluid.
I used to think all of us hear a voice when we talk to ourselves but I’ve since learned this is only some of us. But whether or not you have an inner monologue, the book is for you. The journey is for you. The quest and the game and the mystery and the all for you.
And also for me.THE GREAT DANEAfter the sudden death of his only child, Liko Greenman is looking for any way to pass, waste or kill time. He becomes obsessed with a compelling mystery within his son’s favorite video game, Three Hares, and is determined to solve it. The game travels along the Old Silk Road, following the triskelion motif of the Three Hares in art and architecture. The player’s journey ends abruptly at Paderborn Cathedral in Germany, but fans are certain the game isn’t over.
Liko receives a condolence letter from the gaming company, with a single clue that leads him to the rural town of Birch Island, New York and a farm called Schoenfeld’s. There, Liko comes face-to-face with Danelaw Strong, who has one blue eye, one brown eye, and a compelling, dual personality.
For 22 years, Dane was intimately involved with Ethan Hasen, the creator of Three Hares, and Ethan’s wife, Nomi. As three deeply bonded lovers, they made a life together at Schoenfeld’s that defied convention. Now only Dane is left to work the farm, a single hare grieving the loss of soulmates and simply concentrating on doing the next thing.
Recognizing they’re both killing time and each has something to give the other, Liko agrees to move to Schoenfeld’s for the summer and Dane will guide him in solving the video game’s mystery. So begins a journey of friendship, love and belonging that will show Liko there’s more to the Three Hares game and more to Danelaw Strong than he could possibly imagine.
Suanne Laqueur’s newest novel is a chimerical blend of romance, drama, identity, power and hope. Combining legend and folklore with her signature depth and understanding of the human experience, The Great Dane explores how we view the most profound human connection in pairs, when three is often love’s most magical number.
At one point or another, all of us have wondered who we are.
All of us have scratched at a label put on us, feeling it didn’t quite fit.
All of us have felt pressured to be something we’re not.
All of us have wished we were someone else.
All of us have looked in a mirror and been confused at what we see.
All of us don armor to do brave a change in voice, a different accent, a favorite sweater, high heels, a good luck charm.
All of us are fluid.
I used to think all of us hear a voice when we talk to ourselves but I’ve since learned this is only some of us. But whether or not you have an inner monologue, the book is for you. The journey is for you. The quest and the game and the mystery and the all for you.
And also for me.THE GREAT DANEAfter the sudden death of his only child, Liko Greenman is looking for any way to pass, waste or kill time. He becomes obsessed with a compelling mystery within his son’s favorite video game, Three Hares, and is determined to solve it. The game travels along the Old Silk Road, following the triskelion motif of the Three Hares in art and architecture. The player’s journey ends abruptly at Paderborn Cathedral in Germany, but fans are certain the game isn’t over.
Liko receives a condolence letter from the gaming company, with a single clue that leads him to the rural town of Birch Island, New York and a farm called Schoenfeld’s. There, Liko comes face-to-face with Danelaw Strong, who has one blue eye, one brown eye, and a compelling, dual personality.
For 22 years, Dane was intimately involved with Ethan Hasen, the creator of Three Hares, and Ethan’s wife, Nomi. As three deeply bonded lovers, they made a life together at Schoenfeld’s that defied convention. Now only Dane is left to work the farm, a single hare grieving the loss of soulmates and simply concentrating on doing the next thing.
Recognizing they’re both killing time and each has something to give the other, Liko agrees to move to Schoenfeld’s for the summer and Dane will guide him in solving the video game’s mystery. So begins a journey of friendship, love and belonging that will show Liko there’s more to the Three Hares game and more to Danelaw Strong than he could possibly imagine.
Suanne Laqueur’s newest novel is a chimerical blend of romance, drama, identity, power and hope. Combining legend and folklore with her signature depth and understanding of the human experience, The Great Dane explores how we view the most profound human connection in pairs, when three is often love’s most magical number.
644 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 13, 2026
6 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Suanne Laqueur
28 books1,582 followersA former professional dancer and teacher, Suanne Laqueur went from choreographing music to choreographing words, writing stories that appeal to the passions of all readers, crossing gender, age and genre. As a devoted mental health advocate, her novels focus on both romantic and familial relationships, as well as psychology, PTSD and generational trauma.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
Laqueur’s novel An Exaltation of Larks was the grand prize winner in the 2017 Writer’s Digest Book Awards and took first place in the 2019 North Street Book Prize. Her debut novel The Man I Love won a gold medal in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and was named Best Debut in the Feathered Quill Book Awards. Her follow-up novel, Give Me Your Answer True, was also a gold medal winner at the 2016 RFBA.
Laqueur graduated from Alfred University with a double major in dance and theater. She taught at the Carol Bierman School of Ballet Arts in Croton-on-Hudson for ten years. An avid reader, cook and gardener, she started her blog EatsReadsThinks in 2010.
Suanne lives in Westchester County, New York with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 30, 2025
Sometimes, words fail me when I try to express how a book makes me feel. Because the book is grand. Magnificent. Glorious. Stunning. Sublime. I could go on. The Great Dane is that kind of book, and I urge you all to read it. Just look at that cover!
I already had tears in my eyes while reading the dedication:
This book is dedicated to all of us. At one point or another, all of us have wondered who we are. All of us have scratched at a label put on us, feeling it didn’t quite fit. All of us have felt pressured to be something we’re not. All of us have wished we were someone else.
These are just a few lines but this dedication is so, so beautiful. Just like the book. Just like the cover. Just like Liko and Dane. Just like the hares…
Suanne Laqueur is my go-to author when I’m stuck. When none of the books I’m reading speak to me. When I’ve crashed into the deepest of deepest reading slumps. In those moments, I need to feel. A lot. And Suanne always delivers.
And maybe, because I read this ARC without being stuck, I felt even more. Two men bathing in grief: one who lost his lifemates, the other who lost his son. But there's more. Way more. There’s trauma, a search for identity and friendship. A beautiful friendship. And love. So much love.
This story is about memories that make you laugh, and cry, and laugh-cry. About Liko’s deceased son:
”What are you up to, kiddo?” Janelle asked.
“I’m seeing how many doughnuts I can stack on my penis,” Kyle said.
Nobody warned you about these things when you became a parent.
I couldn’t figure out who or what Dane was and I kept thinking about that cover. And then when Oscar, a kid, asked about touching Dane’s skin, something clicked. Oh, Dane…:
Oscar reached toward Dane’s chest, but Dane gently stopped his hand. “Good guys don’t touch without asking first. Right?”
“Can I touch?”
“If I say no, what does it mean?”
“No, don’t touch.”
“Does it mean no, I don’t like you, Oscar?”
“No. You like me. You just don’t want touching.”
I blinked and blinked because of a conversation about identity:
”You don’t have to identify today,” Jensen said. “Or in a week. Or a year or decade. You can take all the time you need to explore all this information.”
And I teared up again when Janelle and Liko talked about Kyle:
A long, aching pause before Janelle said, “Tell me what Kyle’s doing.”
Liko closed his eyes. “He’s sleeping.”
“Are you sure?”
“It was a long day in Heaven. All days in Heaven are jam-packed because you get to do everything you ever wanted.
And those two beautiful men, dancing around each other, knowing they would end up together but first had to heal first:
A rhythmic drone like spiritual white noise: my friend, I have a friend, my friend is here, my friend did a great thing for me, I can count on my friend, soon I will see my friend.
At times, my tears came from the rage that coiled in my gut. Be aware that this story is gruesome at times. Heartbreaking. So, check out the trigger warnings. But if you can handle it, I want to ask, please, please, read this beautiful, beautiful story!
Thank you so much, Suanne, for letting me read this book early! And I will keep shouting from the rooftops that everyone should pick it up!! Because this book is fantastic. Impressive. Exquisite. Superb.
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I already had tears in my eyes while reading the dedication:
This book is dedicated to all of us. At one point or another, all of us have wondered who we are. All of us have scratched at a label put on us, feeling it didn’t quite fit. All of us have felt pressured to be something we’re not. All of us have wished we were someone else.
These are just a few lines but this dedication is so, so beautiful. Just like the book. Just like the cover. Just like Liko and Dane. Just like the hares…
Suanne Laqueur is my go-to author when I’m stuck. When none of the books I’m reading speak to me. When I’ve crashed into the deepest of deepest reading slumps. In those moments, I need to feel. A lot. And Suanne always delivers.
And maybe, because I read this ARC without being stuck, I felt even more. Two men bathing in grief: one who lost his lifemates, the other who lost his son. But there's more. Way more. There’s trauma, a search for identity and friendship. A beautiful friendship. And love. So much love.
This story is about memories that make you laugh, and cry, and laugh-cry. About Liko’s deceased son:
”What are you up to, kiddo?” Janelle asked.
“I’m seeing how many doughnuts I can stack on my penis,” Kyle said.
Nobody warned you about these things when you became a parent.
I couldn’t figure out who or what Dane was and I kept thinking about that cover. And then when Oscar, a kid, asked about touching Dane’s skin, something clicked. Oh, Dane…:
Oscar reached toward Dane’s chest, but Dane gently stopped his hand. “Good guys don’t touch without asking first. Right?”
“Can I touch?”
“If I say no, what does it mean?”
“No, don’t touch.”
“Does it mean no, I don’t like you, Oscar?”
“No. You like me. You just don’t want touching.”
I blinked and blinked because of a conversation about identity:
”You don’t have to identify today,” Jensen said. “Or in a week. Or a year or decade. You can take all the time you need to explore all this information.”
And I teared up again when Janelle and Liko talked about Kyle:
A long, aching pause before Janelle said, “Tell me what Kyle’s doing.”
Liko closed his eyes. “He’s sleeping.”
“Are you sure?”
“It was a long day in Heaven. All days in Heaven are jam-packed because you get to do everything you ever wanted.
And those two beautiful men, dancing around each other, knowing they would end up together but first had to heal first:
A rhythmic drone like spiritual white noise: my friend, I have a friend, my friend is here, my friend did a great thing for me, I can count on my friend, soon I will see my friend.
At times, my tears came from the rage that coiled in my gut. Be aware that this story is gruesome at times. Heartbreaking. So, check out the trigger warnings. But if you can handle it, I want to ask, please, please, read this beautiful, beautiful story!
Thank you so much, Suanne, for letting me read this book early! And I will keep shouting from the rooftops that everyone should pick it up!! Because this book is fantastic. Impressive. Exquisite. Superb.
Follow me on Instagram
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December 23, 2025Liko Greenman doesn’t think of himself as an introvert. He likes parties. He’s not afraid to join a group he doesn’t know. He makes small talk easily and more than once he’s been referred to as a social tether—someone who becomes the mothership of your party mingling and you often make your way back to him or her, just to catch your breath, process, collect yourself. Liko digs being that person. A beacon of social safety. Come stand next to me. Join my conversation. Or just stand here and siphon off some peace.
But this dude… The man whom Liko doesn’t yet know is named Danelaw Strong… He looks at Liko once, just a glance across a crowded room with a pair of illegally blue eyes, and Liko introverts.
Panicked, if we’re being honest, he thinks. He retreats a few steps to the living room’s bookshelves. Pretends to peruse. Glances at Dane, who is looking at him. Liko looks away, puts his nose into a random book, and introverts further.
Weird, he’s not even my type.
Liko likes to be thrown around a bed if he’s in it with a man. Bears are his type. Dane is not a bear. In fact it’s pissing Liko off he can’t get a bead on this guy, and that he’s even trying to classify Dane based on body type slang is pissing him off more.
Dane stands in his circle of conversation, head turning from one person to another. He’s a short man, so his chin is tilted up. His sandy hair is buzzed tight and he pulls the extreme style off well. Dressed in jeans and a V-neck sweater. A beer in one hand, the other fingers tucked in his pocket. He looks at the person on his right, and he’s a poet. He looks the other way, and he’s a construction worker. He’s whip-thin and sparse, then he moves or turns or shifts and he’s all fit muscle. Unsmiling, he looks early forties, tired after a long day, feeling his years. Then he smiles and he’s barely out of his twenties, rawboned and bristling with energy.
What is happening? Liko thinks.
Dane’s looking at him with those ridiculous blue eyes. Liko is used to being on the receiving end of eye compliments. His own are an intense purple-gray. Honest-to-god Liz Taylor violet peepers. Dane is competition. His gaze and Liko’s are two bucks circling each other, each believing they are the fairest of all, and they ought to take it outside and decide.
Or upstairs.
Don’t panic, Liko thinks, looking away.
He can’t get words to stick to his reaction. His ex-wife would probably call it a trauma response.
Don’t be dramatic. You’re digging someone. It’s been a while. Enjoy it.
He can’t. This isn’t enjoyable. He needs to get back to a mothership but he has no tether. He looks at Dane across a galaxy, walking free in space, placing his feet on nothing, aware of time and gravity and vastness and how everyone is a infinitesimal, insignificant speck of dust with no control over anything. At the mercy of a conniving universe who likes to put her cheek on the heel of her starry hand while with the other fingers she moves two motes into place.
You. Annnnnd you. Say hello.
Trust me. I know what I’m doing.
Some people you meet do an effortless end-run around your psychological constructs (or worse, around your chemical ones). One encounter and they’re suddenly wandering the emotional hinterlands of your soul, where the line between sad and wretched, or happy and manic, can’t be seen with the naked eye. These damn people not only see everything, but they make you feel shit to your bones.
The stupidly blue gaze of this impossible twink otter construction worker poet is slipping under Liko’s skin and throwing arms wide to encompass his entire emotional spectrum, right out to the hinterlands and beyond.
Some call this love at first sight.
Liko Greenman calls it pump the brakes, you moron.
In his twenties, Liko would fuck this guy in the next five seconds. Liko is fifty-four now and knows it’s wise not to eat this proffered delicacy in one sitting. He doesn’t even have to taste it.
Fine, universe, you obviously have a plan. Noted. I’ll take it from here. On my schedule, thanks very much. Bitch.
And so Liko Greenman walks away from the party. Grabbing his jacket from a pile on a bed, he goes up the stairs and down the hall to its end, where he opens a door to the attic steps. From the attic he opens another door, climbs a ladder and steps onto the widow’s walk. A railed-in space of maybe five feet by seven feet, with two Adirondack chairs, a little table, and Huff Jensen’s telescope. He clutches the rail and shivers, butthole clenched tight. Behind his closed lids he sees a million shades of blue. He puts an eye to the telescope, looking for the Universe.
“What are you doing,” he whispers. “What is this? Who is he?”
The Universe just shrugs.
Nothing for it, so Liko sits down, reaches for his vape and proceeds to get really fucking high.
But this dude… The man whom Liko doesn’t yet know is named Danelaw Strong… He looks at Liko once, just a glance across a crowded room with a pair of illegally blue eyes, and Liko introverts.
Panicked, if we’re being honest, he thinks. He retreats a few steps to the living room’s bookshelves. Pretends to peruse. Glances at Dane, who is looking at him. Liko looks away, puts his nose into a random book, and introverts further.
Weird, he’s not even my type.
Liko likes to be thrown around a bed if he’s in it with a man. Bears are his type. Dane is not a bear. In fact it’s pissing Liko off he can’t get a bead on this guy, and that he’s even trying to classify Dane based on body type slang is pissing him off more.
Dane stands in his circle of conversation, head turning from one person to another. He’s a short man, so his chin is tilted up. His sandy hair is buzzed tight and he pulls the extreme style off well. Dressed in jeans and a V-neck sweater. A beer in one hand, the other fingers tucked in his pocket. He looks at the person on his right, and he’s a poet. He looks the other way, and he’s a construction worker. He’s whip-thin and sparse, then he moves or turns or shifts and he’s all fit muscle. Unsmiling, he looks early forties, tired after a long day, feeling his years. Then he smiles and he’s barely out of his twenties, rawboned and bristling with energy.
What is happening? Liko thinks.
Dane’s looking at him with those ridiculous blue eyes. Liko is used to being on the receiving end of eye compliments. His own are an intense purple-gray. Honest-to-god Liz Taylor violet peepers. Dane is competition. His gaze and Liko’s are two bucks circling each other, each believing they are the fairest of all, and they ought to take it outside and decide.
Or upstairs.
Don’t panic, Liko thinks, looking away.
He can’t get words to stick to his reaction. His ex-wife would probably call it a trauma response.
Don’t be dramatic. You’re digging someone. It’s been a while. Enjoy it.
He can’t. This isn’t enjoyable. He needs to get back to a mothership but he has no tether. He looks at Dane across a galaxy, walking free in space, placing his feet on nothing, aware of time and gravity and vastness and how everyone is a infinitesimal, insignificant speck of dust with no control over anything. At the mercy of a conniving universe who likes to put her cheek on the heel of her starry hand while with the other fingers she moves two motes into place.
You. Annnnnd you. Say hello.
Trust me. I know what I’m doing.
Some people you meet do an effortless end-run around your psychological constructs (or worse, around your chemical ones). One encounter and they’re suddenly wandering the emotional hinterlands of your soul, where the line between sad and wretched, or happy and manic, can’t be seen with the naked eye. These damn people not only see everything, but they make you feel shit to your bones.
The stupidly blue gaze of this impossible twink otter construction worker poet is slipping under Liko’s skin and throwing arms wide to encompass his entire emotional spectrum, right out to the hinterlands and beyond.
Some call this love at first sight.
Liko Greenman calls it pump the brakes, you moron.
In his twenties, Liko would fuck this guy in the next five seconds. Liko is fifty-four now and knows it’s wise not to eat this proffered delicacy in one sitting. He doesn’t even have to taste it.
Fine, universe, you obviously have a plan. Noted. I’ll take it from here. On my schedule, thanks very much. Bitch.
And so Liko Greenman walks away from the party. Grabbing his jacket from a pile on a bed, he goes up the stairs and down the hall to its end, where he opens a door to the attic steps. From the attic he opens another door, climbs a ladder and steps onto the widow’s walk. A railed-in space of maybe five feet by seven feet, with two Adirondack chairs, a little table, and Huff Jensen’s telescope. He clutches the rail and shivers, butthole clenched tight. Behind his closed lids he sees a million shades of blue. He puts an eye to the telescope, looking for the Universe.
“What are you doing,” he whispers. “What is this? Who is he?”
The Universe just shrugs.
Nothing for it, so Liko sits down, reaches for his vape and proceeds to get really fucking high.
November 16, 2025
Ungh!
Superb. Superb. Superb.
10 stars. Would definitely recommend.
The Great Dane, just jumped to the top of the pedestal. The number one slot of the best reads of the year. Sorry Kingfisher. I love your cute pointy ears and your love of quicksilver but you’ve been usurped. My man Dane and my man Liko get to that top spot, do not pass go, do not collect £200.
I’m in awe of the brilliance of this book. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I’ve raged. I’ve craved carrots. At times, I wasn’t sure what was real and what was just a story. The research Suanne Laqueur must have done is immense. And the art work - it’s just magnificent. I want a fully illustrated, coloured version of this book to pet and stroke. The story of Dane and Liko is one of grief, of found families, and moving on after grief. It’s all spun together with perfection.
I may have a new obsession with green men and hares. They’ll live in harmony with my fish, birds and daisies. I’m so in love with Dane and Liko.
How do I move on from this book? I just don’t know what to do with myself. Pub it is then. Just need to go dry the tears and wipe the snot from my face.
Superb. Superb. Superb.
10 stars. Would definitely recommend.
The Great Dane, just jumped to the top of the pedestal. The number one slot of the best reads of the year. Sorry Kingfisher. I love your cute pointy ears and your love of quicksilver but you’ve been usurped. My man Dane and my man Liko get to that top spot, do not pass go, do not collect £200.
I’m in awe of the brilliance of this book. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, I’ve raged. I’ve craved carrots. At times, I wasn’t sure what was real and what was just a story. The research Suanne Laqueur must have done is immense. And the art work - it’s just magnificent. I want a fully illustrated, coloured version of this book to pet and stroke. The story of Dane and Liko is one of grief, of found families, and moving on after grief. It’s all spun together with perfection.
I may have a new obsession with green men and hares. They’ll live in harmony with my fish, birds and daisies. I’m so in love with Dane and Liko.
How do I move on from this book? I just don’t know what to do with myself. Pub it is then. Just need to go dry the tears and wipe the snot from my face.
November 27, 2025
Love is an artist, Liko thought. Its medium is the truth.
Holy crap, she did it again.
I knew almost immediately after meeting the characters in this novel that Liko’s grief would stir deep emotions in me because his grief is born from my worst nightmare. And I was right—the tears started flowing around the 20% mark. What I didn’t know was how much I’d come to feel for Dane. But wow, I felt so much for him (and cried for him too!). I will also say that it was damn refreshing to read about two adults falling in love that know how to communicate and are kind and patient with each other. And that’s the beauty of Suanne’s storytelling—her gift as a writer is writing characters so real and raw that they feel like real people. With every book, she somehow expands my well of empathy, and each one I read makes me a better person.
Thank you for this story, Suanne. It was a gift. 🥹 For you are an artist, and your medium is the truth.
Holy crap, she did it again.
I knew almost immediately after meeting the characters in this novel that Liko’s grief would stir deep emotions in me because his grief is born from my worst nightmare. And I was right—the tears started flowing around the 20% mark. What I didn’t know was how much I’d come to feel for Dane. But wow, I felt so much for him (and cried for him too!). I will also say that it was damn refreshing to read about two adults falling in love that know how to communicate and are kind and patient with each other. And that’s the beauty of Suanne’s storytelling—her gift as a writer is writing characters so real and raw that they feel like real people. With every book, she somehow expands my well of empathy, and each one I read makes me a better person.
Thank you for this story, Suanne. It was a gift. 🥹 For you are an artist, and your medium is the truth.
November 6, 2025
Correction; 10 stars
There are not enough words to express how beautiful this book is, yet again a masterpiece by Suanne Laqueur. The way the story is woven together by heartbreakingly and yet also powerful and strong people, is simply a pure form of art.
Dane and Liko are amazing, strong, sad, hurt, confused, beautiful, articulate, intelligent and a whole lot of other adjectives. Their background and how they are both going through grief hit me, but in a gentle way, a comforting manner and softening touch. Because of the three hare story line that connects the dots, which I won’t even attempt to explain, as you will have to experience it for yourself.
There is no question, please read this book when it comes out! 🩷
There are not enough words to express how beautiful this book is, yet again a masterpiece by Suanne Laqueur. The way the story is woven together by heartbreakingly and yet also powerful and strong people, is simply a pure form of art.
Dane and Liko are amazing, strong, sad, hurt, confused, beautiful, articulate, intelligent and a whole lot of other adjectives. Their background and how they are both going through grief hit me, but in a gentle way, a comforting manner and softening touch. Because of the three hare story line that connects the dots, which I won’t even attempt to explain, as you will have to experience it for yourself.
There is no question, please read this book when it comes out! 🩷
November 14, 2025
I feel like so many of us are intimidated about writing a review for Suanne Laqueur's latest, The Great Dane, because how, exactly, do you write about it in any way that captures its many layers and do it any kind of justice? I truly don't know.
Here's what I do know.
I know that I recognized the bone deep grief that Dane and Liko carried with them. The way Laqueur conveyed that through Liko and Dane was so convincing that I could feel it in the back of my throat and the tremble of my lip as I'd flip to the next page. I've felt that grief. I feel that grief now as my mortality seems to be constantly flashing before my face these days.
I know that I recognized that feeling of pure happiness and joy that somehow sneaks in and settles in between the ribs of grief. As Dane and Liko recounted their pasts and their present, the relief that those happy moments provided were sweet and tender, edged with a little sad, which only made the happy that much more, well, happy.
I know that I recognized how painful and yet steadying it was/is to feel like you're living from breath to breath only to eventually realize you've somehow made it days or months and you're still here, somehow surviving. Liko was living that and the depiction of it was so accurate that I felt the phantom pains that it seemed like he was feeling.
I know that the world Laqueur created was so vivid that I wanted to live on that farm and read and write and plant and weed and sink to the bottom of the pool and hike around the property and soak in the tub and go to the pub and see all the things and feel all the feels.
I know that a few years ago over a Christmas break, I found and fell in love with Suanne Laqueur's writing and am so glad that she gifted us with the treasure that is The Great Dane.
Here's what I do know.
I know that I recognized the bone deep grief that Dane and Liko carried with them. The way Laqueur conveyed that through Liko and Dane was so convincing that I could feel it in the back of my throat and the tremble of my lip as I'd flip to the next page. I've felt that grief. I feel that grief now as my mortality seems to be constantly flashing before my face these days.
I know that I recognized that feeling of pure happiness and joy that somehow sneaks in and settles in between the ribs of grief. As Dane and Liko recounted their pasts and their present, the relief that those happy moments provided were sweet and tender, edged with a little sad, which only made the happy that much more, well, happy.
I know that I recognized how painful and yet steadying it was/is to feel like you're living from breath to breath only to eventually realize you've somehow made it days or months and you're still here, somehow surviving. Liko was living that and the depiction of it was so accurate that I felt the phantom pains that it seemed like he was feeling.
I know that the world Laqueur created was so vivid that I wanted to live on that farm and read and write and plant and weed and sink to the bottom of the pool and hike around the property and soak in the tub and go to the pub and see all the things and feel all the feels.
I know that a few years ago over a Christmas break, I found and fell in love with Suanne Laqueur's writing and am so glad that she gifted us with the treasure that is The Great Dane.
November 13, 2025
Give me a minute, I'm a wreck!
November 11, 2025
The Great Dane by Suanne Laqueur is not just a book, it’s a journey.
Laqueur is one of the few authors I know that can capture the human spirit in such a way, that her readers feel like they’re part of the storyline.
You become so immersed in Liko and Dane’s story, that you feel as though you’re a part of it.
Laqueur doesn’t hold back any punches.
She lets her readers feel the lows of grief and the highs of finding that one person who makes it all worth it.
The one who knows your soul, even when you don’t.
Get ready for Three Hares, the craving for carrots, the Green man gang, and the need to just sit and absorb all the feels.
Definitely one I’ll be reading again and recommending to everyone I know.
5 Stars times a thousand!
Laqueur is one of the few authors I know that can capture the human spirit in such a way, that her readers feel like they’re part of the storyline.
You become so immersed in Liko and Dane’s story, that you feel as though you’re a part of it.
Laqueur doesn’t hold back any punches.
She lets her readers feel the lows of grief and the highs of finding that one person who makes it all worth it.
The one who knows your soul, even when you don’t.
Get ready for Three Hares, the craving for carrots, the Green man gang, and the need to just sit and absorb all the feels.
Definitely one I’ll be reading again and recommending to everyone I know.
5 Stars times a thousand!
November 9, 2025
I discovered Suanne Laqueur earlier this year and have read most of her books. I don’t want to say too much about the main themes in this review, because part of the beauty of The Great Dane is how she unveils them with such care and emotional precision. This is a story about two people, Dane and Liko, whose lives are marked by deep loss, trauma, and struggles with identity, and how those threads slowly intertwine into something profoundly healing.
She has an exceptional grasp of human experience and the complex, often contradictory ways people react to trauma. Laqueur manages to write about pain that can at times be so harrowing, and yet reading her books feels like a warm hug. This is a character driven story, and her characters are always refreshingly gentle, vulnerable, and excellent communicators. Her books often pair dramatic backstories with scenes of therapeutic psychological healing, and The Great Dane is no different, it explores not only love but the courage it takes to live authentically after trauma.
If you are new to Suanne Laqueur, I would suggest starting with the Venery Series and reading An Exaltation of Larks first (a six-star series).
I’m still left thinking about one of the very important side characters who plays a major role in Dane’s life, Ethan. I need to know his motivations for leaving and more about what’s going on inside his head. Fingers crossed Laqueur will make a series out of this, with Ethan as book two.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm truly having a hard time pulling words together after finishing this story. Talk about a story that completely tears you limb from limb-mind, soul, emotions, thoughts, feelings-and sews you back together so you can "feel your edges". This story did all of that and more. Is it easy? In absolutely no way whatsoever. It will make you look inside and see parts of you that you've kept hidden your entire life. It will make you look at the world (especially our current world) with completely different colored eyes. Is it one of the most beautiful stories (buried in a video game even) I have read in a really long time? Absolutely no doubt about it. I loved everything about the story - the history, the scenery, the characters, the love, the pain and the healing. Gosh darn it my man, what have you done to me?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Just wow! 5 stars doesn’t feel like enough. I’ve tried rewriting this review 4 times but nothing I can say will encompass everything that this book is. It is a book to be savored slowly, in my humble opinion. Otherwise, so many important details will get missed or lost.
The story changes and evolves as you progress through its pages, not unlike the video game that Liko is playing, partly on tribute to his son and oartly for the discoveries he is making sbout himself.
The story covers so many topics not limited to the messiness & complications of life, love, relationships, grief, memory, identity and brilliant creativity, all while also finding beautiful moments in the depths of each. Its so difficult to write this review without spoilers. The detailed artwork in between the pages only further brings the story to life and draws you further into its puzzles. If you approach this book with a completely open mind, author Suanne Laqueur will take you on an emotional and thought provoking journey exploring Dane’s world that you will never forget.
The story changes and evolves as you progress through its pages, not unlike the video game that Liko is playing, partly on tribute to his son and oartly for the discoveries he is making sbout himself.
The story covers so many topics not limited to the messiness & complications of life, love, relationships, grief, memory, identity and brilliant creativity, all while also finding beautiful moments in the depths of each. Its so difficult to write this review without spoilers. The detailed artwork in between the pages only further brings the story to life and draws you further into its puzzles. If you approach this book with a completely open mind, author Suanne Laqueur will take you on an emotional and thought provoking journey exploring Dane’s world that you will never forget.
January 1, 2026
Suanne Laqueur’s insanely powerfully crafted story is one that brilliantly encapsulates profound grief, incredible resilience and survival of life altering events. Insightfully exploring the essence of identity and what defines you or rather how you define and accept yourself makes it an incredibly powerful experience.
The words resonated with me making me feel a myriad of emotions completely captivating me and bringing about my own introspection of identity experiences throughout my early youth.
Its utterly unique, sublimely multi layered plot line epitomizes the intricacies of the human experience and leaves no doubt of its significance!
I adored these characters; Liko, Dane, Nomi, Ethan, Saskia, Maisie and Huff and their crucial roles in the development of this story. The underlying slow burn elements as a deeper meaningful friendship develops and leads Liko and Dane to a stronger bond of love without limits, acceptance and intimacy made my heart feel so many emotions. Honestly, I loved these characters and my heart ached for them each with their own loss.
I took my time reading this story savoring every moment and highlighting so many words that struck me. Even when I finished it, I took my time mulling over it all and tried to carefully gather my thoughts to formulate my feelings into coherent praise worthy words! My favorite of 2025!
The words resonated with me making me feel a myriad of emotions completely captivating me and bringing about my own introspection of identity experiences throughout my early youth.
Its utterly unique, sublimely multi layered plot line epitomizes the intricacies of the human experience and leaves no doubt of its significance!
I adored these characters; Liko, Dane, Nomi, Ethan, Saskia, Maisie and Huff and their crucial roles in the development of this story. The underlying slow burn elements as a deeper meaningful friendship develops and leads Liko and Dane to a stronger bond of love without limits, acceptance and intimacy made my heart feel so many emotions. Honestly, I loved these characters and my heart ached for them each with their own loss.
I took my time reading this story savoring every moment and highlighting so many words that struck me. Even when I finished it, I took my time mulling over it all and tried to carefully gather my thoughts to formulate my feelings into coherent praise worthy words! My favorite of 2025!
Review of advance copy received from Author
How do I adequately put into words what a tapestry of brilliance that this story is? Suanne Laqueur pens it best in her dedication when she says this book is dedicated to all of us. It isn’t just an umbrella statement to include everyone as in each person, but for each personality or the multiple facets of our identity within us, too. And if that doesn’t resonate with the reader, I’m not sure that she could’ve written anything else to make one feel more “seen.”
Liko Greenman is still in the depths of grief over the tragic loss of his son. In an effort to remain close to the memory of his son, he tries to unravel the mystery behind the Three Hares, which was his son’s favorite video game and has a cult-like following. I want to take a moment to appreciate the breadth, research and detail that was put into the design of this Three Hares puzzle and artwork because Suanne doesn’t do anything in half measures. I was in awe of this aspect of the book, simply because it went above and beyond a world building that had to have required so much time and meticulous attention to create and was absolutely ingenious.
Liko meets Danelaw Strong, who is also experiencing grief upon the loss of his life partners, Ethan and Nomi. Ethan is the brain and artist behind the Three Hares. Nothing, and I emphasize absolutely nothing, about Dane or his history is what one would expect. Both of them are bonded by trauma and tragedy, as well as loneliness, and cannot deny their obvious chemistry either. While Liko tries to find the answers to the Three Hares riddle, he also spends a lot of time getting to know Dane, who throws in a few breadcrumb hints along the way.
There is a good amount of history to unpack for both characters, as well as getting to know the other characters who have helped to shape them into who they are today. Dane has truly been through it and then some, no exaggeration, which magnifies the impact of the absence of his partners even more. Yet even in these dark times, Liko and Dane form a meaningful bond through sharing and storytelling and it’s both simple and beautiful. Seeing Dane through Liko’s eyes and seeing Liko through Dane’s eyes, it’s incredible to behold how after so much that has not gone right, they dare to hope and dream again despite any cynicism. Also, the way that Liko treats Janelle and how Dane treats Ethan after everything says a lot about all of them as people with flaws, but also carrying strength and a beating heart after so many wounds. I finished this with a sense of a full circle moment and bravo to Suanne for creating this unconventional story with love and emotion for everyone who is human and vulnerable.
Liko Greenman is still in the depths of grief over the tragic loss of his son. In an effort to remain close to the memory of his son, he tries to unravel the mystery behind the Three Hares, which was his son’s favorite video game and has a cult-like following. I want to take a moment to appreciate the breadth, research and detail that was put into the design of this Three Hares puzzle and artwork because Suanne doesn’t do anything in half measures. I was in awe of this aspect of the book, simply because it went above and beyond a world building that had to have required so much time and meticulous attention to create and was absolutely ingenious.
Liko meets Danelaw Strong, who is also experiencing grief upon the loss of his life partners, Ethan and Nomi. Ethan is the brain and artist behind the Three Hares. Nothing, and I emphasize absolutely nothing, about Dane or his history is what one would expect. Both of them are bonded by trauma and tragedy, as well as loneliness, and cannot deny their obvious chemistry either. While Liko tries to find the answers to the Three Hares riddle, he also spends a lot of time getting to know Dane, who throws in a few breadcrumb hints along the way.
There is a good amount of history to unpack for both characters, as well as getting to know the other characters who have helped to shape them into who they are today. Dane has truly been through it and then some, no exaggeration, which magnifies the impact of the absence of his partners even more. Yet even in these dark times, Liko and Dane form a meaningful bond through sharing and storytelling and it’s both simple and beautiful. Seeing Dane through Liko’s eyes and seeing Liko through Dane’s eyes, it’s incredible to behold how after so much that has not gone right, they dare to hope and dream again despite any cynicism. Also, the way that Liko treats Janelle and how Dane treats Ethan after everything says a lot about all of them as people with flaws, but also carrying strength and a beating heart after so many wounds. I finished this with a sense of a full circle moment and bravo to Suanne for creating this unconventional story with love and emotion for everyone who is human and vulnerable.
November 28, 2025
Complex and stunning!
I can’t even begin to give voice to how brilliant this book is. Even the weakest of threads are made strong when they’re woven into a tapestry of love and care. Dane, Ethan, and Nomi were wounded hares, finding solace in each other. Now on his own, Dane is surprised to find a place in his heart for Liko Greenman. The Green Man. Their story is one of healing through the green sprouts springing from the black soil, and the fellowship of shared loss. The way the author unfurls Dane and Liko’s love is breathtaking. It’s a gorgeous thing to receive a peek at the building trust, not only between Dane and Liko, but also between Dane, Ethan, and Nomi in epic flashbacks.
I can’t even begin to give voice to how brilliant this book is. Even the weakest of threads are made strong when they’re woven into a tapestry of love and care. Dane, Ethan, and Nomi were wounded hares, finding solace in each other. Now on his own, Dane is surprised to find a place in his heart for Liko Greenman. The Green Man. Their story is one of healing through the green sprouts springing from the black soil, and the fellowship of shared loss. The way the author unfurls Dane and Liko’s love is breathtaking. It’s a gorgeous thing to receive a peek at the building trust, not only between Dane and Liko, but also between Dane, Ethan, and Nomi in epic flashbacks.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Reading Suanne Laqueur’s The Great Dane leaves me in a familiar state of review paralysis. I know exactly how I feel, yet I almost feel ashamed of my lack of eloquence when trying to put it into words. Her books aren’t just stories; they’re experiences—some of the best I’ve ever had as a reader—and this book only confirms that. It’s not laziness or carelessness; it’s that overwhelming fullness that hits after every Suanne Laqueur book, leaving me tongue-tied, knowing everything I feel but unable to get it out.
A word to the beautifull review from Teru, who made me return to this!
Just reading the blurb brings me to tears. The dedication alone made me feel represented, because this book is for all of us. So, in this state of review paralysis, here are some thoughts I managed to organise 🙂
This is so much more than a romance. It follows Liko Greenman, who lost his only son, as he becomes obsessed with a mysterious video game called Three Hares—his son’s great passion. That obsession leads him to Birch Island, New York, and to Danelaw “Dane” Strong, a man shaped by love, loss, survival, and resilience. What begins as a mystery to be solved slowly becomes a story about identity, connection, healing, and belonging. Two men carrying unbearable grief and loneliness, both quietly searching for purpose.
One of the most fundamental pillars of this story is the idea that past love is still love. It’s spoken about openly and without erasure. The people they loved, the lives they lived before, are honoured here. Love doesn’t end—it transforms. This is handled with such maturity and respect that it feels grounding rather than threatening. It opens space for other loves to exist without diminishing what came before.
This book is not only about Dane and Liko. It’s also about Naomi, Ethan, Saskia, Huff and Maisie, Fred, Kyle, Janelle, Jeffrey, Mary and John Schoenfeld, Paul, Dr Obera, and others who all leave their mark. The world feels vast and lived-in, layered with history and relationships that matter. Every character adds texture, weight, and humanity to the story.
Both men carry enormous baggage. There is a lot of trauma here—some old, some painfully recent. I’m not weighing pain, but what Dane went through is genuinely horrifying. Danelaw Strong is a warrior. His complexity, his survival, the way he exists in the world—there are not enough words. And yes: fuck Ivelaw and Dr Porto.
This story is heavy on lore, especially around the game, and the plot is intricate and detailed. At times, it demanded more concentration than I was ready to give, slowing my reading—but it also made the experience immersive. You don’t just read this book; you step into it. The mythology, the flashbacks, the careful contextualisation all deepen the emotional impact rather than cheapen it. The chapters involving Nomi, Ethan, and Dane are handled with so much respect—never explicit, never exploitative—only adding depth.
The progression between Dane and Liko feels like a dance: strangers to friends to something quieter, deeper, and more meaningful. It’s slow burn in the truest sense, rooted in emotional connection rather than urgency.
And here’s the unfair truth: when you love an author this much, comparison is inevitable. I tried not to compare this book to A Charm of Finches—not in plot, but in feeling. And the truth is, it doesn’t compare. The writing here is beautiful, the imagination astonishing, but the emotional impact is different. Incomparable. That’s not a flaw. I still adore this one. 💫
This was an incredible journey—hands down to the magic of Suanne Laqueur and everything she created here, art included. The writing is immersive and engaging, the banter delicious, the characters mature, complex, and layered with trauma and tenderness. Liko shattered my heart. Dane will stay with me for a long time. Naomi and Ethan remain essential to this story—always the Three Hares.
This book doesn’t just tell a story.
It holds it.
I received a copy of this book from Suanne, and this is my honest review.
A word to the beautifull review from Teru, who made me return to this!
Just reading the blurb brings me to tears. The dedication alone made me feel represented, because this book is for all of us. So, in this state of review paralysis, here are some thoughts I managed to organise 🙂
3%
“His soul was a city under siege, and the flower beds and vegetable garden were unnecessary mouths.”
This is so much more than a romance. It follows Liko Greenman, who lost his only son, as he becomes obsessed with a mysterious video game called Three Hares—his son’s great passion. That obsession leads him to Birch Island, New York, and to Danelaw “Dane” Strong, a man shaped by love, loss, survival, and resilience. What begins as a mystery to be solved slowly becomes a story about identity, connection, healing, and belonging. Two men carrying unbearable grief and loneliness, both quietly searching for purpose.
10%
“Liko-san,” Dane said, staring at the empty road. He didn’t bow, but his eyes closed and his chin dropped a bit. Whatever had brought Liko here, it deserved honor.
One of the most fundamental pillars of this story is the idea that past love is still love. It’s spoken about openly and without erasure. The people they loved, the lives they lived before, are honoured here. Love doesn’t end—it transforms. This is handled with such maturity and respect that it feels grounding rather than threatening. It opens space for other loves to exist without diminishing what came before.
21%
Liko’s forehead touched Dane’s brow. “Don’t stop thinking about me.”
“I never did.”
“Think about me. I need it. I need to be remembered. It keeps me alive.”
“We resolved to live.”
“We did.”
“I never forgot,” Dane said. “I never will. I have you in hand, Liko Greenman. I have you in hand. You’re in my hand and I’ll never forget…”
This book is not only about Dane and Liko. It’s also about Naomi, Ethan, Saskia, Huff and Maisie, Fred, Kyle, Janelle, Jeffrey, Mary and John Schoenfeld, Paul, Dr Obera, and others who all leave their mark. The world feels vast and lived-in, layered with history and relationships that matter. Every character adds texture, weight, and humanity to the story.
29%
“You’re looking yourself tonight,” Liko said.
“Clev-er,” Dane said.
“Do you go all brown or all blue on certain occasions?”
Dane nodded. “Usually when I’m unsure of who I’m going to meet. Or what I need from the occasion. But in my house, among my people, I can just…” He made a general circle around his face with his wooden spoon, smiled a shy smile, and ducked away."
Both men carry enormous baggage. There is a lot of trauma here—some old, some painfully recent. I’m not weighing pain, but what Dane went through is genuinely horrifying. Danelaw Strong is a warrior. His complexity, his survival, the way he exists in the world—there are not enough words. And yes: fuck Ivelaw and Dr Porto.
50%
“And I will go to war for your peace.”
This story is heavy on lore, especially around the game, and the plot is intricate and detailed. At times, it demanded more concentration than I was ready to give, slowing my reading—but it also made the experience immersive. You don’t just read this book; you step into it. The mythology, the flashbacks, the careful contextualisation all deepen the emotional impact rather than cheapen it. The chapters involving Nomi, Ethan, and Dane are handled with so much respect—never explicit, never exploitative—only adding depth.
69%
“I’ve tried to honestly ask myself if I’m falling in love, and the honest answer seems to be not yet. It’s not purely sexual. It’s not romantic. I seem to be falling into deep friendship. Or into soulmatery.”
The progression between Dane and Liko feels like a dance: strangers to friends to something quieter, deeper, and more meaningful. It’s slow burn in the truest sense, rooted in emotional connection rather than urgency.
86%
Their next kiss was different. Something between them had shifted. Settled down. Horses were being held and flavors savored. The kiss had a slow softness within an urgent rhythm, like tango or good jazz.
87%
I’m just awful, but I’m not alone.
He’s awful too, and we’re in it together.
He’s my best friend and we get each other.
Some days suck out loud, but being with him doesn’t suck.
This little life at Schoenfeld’s does not suck.
98%
Then the Green Man’s laughter touched the stars as he was run down by a Great Dane.
And here’s the unfair truth: when you love an author this much, comparison is inevitable. I tried not to compare this book to A Charm of Finches—not in plot, but in feeling. And the truth is, it doesn’t compare. The writing here is beautiful, the imagination astonishing, but the emotional impact is different. Incomparable. That’s not a flaw. I still adore this one. 💫
This was an incredible journey—hands down to the magic of Suanne Laqueur and everything she created here, art included. The writing is immersive and engaging, the banter delicious, the characters mature, complex, and layered with trauma and tenderness. Liko shattered my heart. Dane will stay with me for a long time. Naomi and Ethan remain essential to this story—always the Three Hares.
This book doesn’t just tell a story.
It holds it.
I received a copy of this book from Suanne, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is just an extraordinarily special book.
This is a story that sits well outside of my normal comfort zone, both in content and genre, however, after seeing the glowing reviews coming out from some trusted friends (thank you Teru and Marieke, my bbys ❤️) my curiosity was piqued and I knew I had to get a copy and my god, I am just so glad that I did.
One night Dane Strong, meets a handsome violet eye stranger during a New Years Eve party and forms an instant and electric connection. Dane, still grappling in the aftermath of his marriage collapsing; his wife having suddenly succumbed to cancer and his husband having left to process his own grief, decides with the handsome stranger to let the moment pass and meet again in a year. In that time Liko Greenman, the violet eyed stranger, already dealing with feelings of betrayal and the divorce from his ex-wife, experiences the unimaginable loss of the sudden death of his son and in his grief the moment of connection passes. While each navigating their own personal pain Dane Strong and Liko Greenman find the universe putting them into each others orbit, where they are able to connect with possibly the only other person who is able to understand and empathise with the myriad of emotions they are going through .
This is a story about immeasurable grief, and the different layers and flavours it can take, but its also an incredible story of love, healing and resilience, and of second chances, third chances, seven hundredth chances, all in an effort to find some kind of peace.
This story is deeply romantic, but I appreciate that first and foremost Dane and Liko were each others friends, support and safe harbour. It was only after a long process of getting to know the layers of each other that their relationship progressed to something more intimate. It was so refreshing to see two MCs who were more mature (mid 40s and mid 50s) and to not skirt around the fact that these are adults who have lived a life and each have their own history to bring to the table and that that the ugly parts can be loved and accepted just as much as the beautiful parts.
The themes and representation in this book are so incredibly important, but god, it got really heavy sometimes. I hesitate to speak too much about content warnings because it feels like treading close to spoilers and want to respect this amazing journey. If you have any concerns or questions I encourage you to reach out to me and ask.
This was my first excursion into Laqueur’s writing and the way she uses language to explore emotion and the complexities of human connection was such a moving experience.
This was an incredibly special reading experience and a fortnight into 2026 I know this will be one of my favourite reads of the year. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone like I did and to give this book a try. Also if you are able to get a physical copy of this book you totally should as the art contained within it makes for a stunning reading experience.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this arc and for creating such a moving piece of art.
The Great Dane is due to be released 13th January
”I love you” he said against Dane’s hair. “You gave my life back to me. You gave time back to me. I don’t want to waste or kill it anymore. I want to spend it
Consider following my instagram
This is a story that sits well outside of my normal comfort zone, both in content and genre, however, after seeing the glowing reviews coming out from some trusted friends (thank you Teru and Marieke, my bbys ❤️) my curiosity was piqued and I knew I had to get a copy and my god, I am just so glad that I did.
One night Dane Strong, meets a handsome violet eye stranger during a New Years Eve party and forms an instant and electric connection. Dane, still grappling in the aftermath of his marriage collapsing; his wife having suddenly succumbed to cancer and his husband having left to process his own grief, decides with the handsome stranger to let the moment pass and meet again in a year. In that time Liko Greenman, the violet eyed stranger, already dealing with feelings of betrayal and the divorce from his ex-wife, experiences the unimaginable loss of the sudden death of his son and in his grief the moment of connection passes. While each navigating their own personal pain Dane Strong and Liko Greenman find the universe putting them into each others orbit, where they are able to connect with possibly the only other person who is able to understand and empathise with the myriad of emotions they are going through .
This is a story about immeasurable grief, and the different layers and flavours it can take, but its also an incredible story of love, healing and resilience, and of second chances, third chances, seven hundredth chances, all in an effort to find some kind of peace.
This story is deeply romantic, but I appreciate that first and foremost Dane and Liko were each others friends, support and safe harbour. It was only after a long process of getting to know the layers of each other that their relationship progressed to something more intimate. It was so refreshing to see two MCs who were more mature (mid 40s and mid 50s) and to not skirt around the fact that these are adults who have lived a life and each have their own history to bring to the table and that that the ugly parts can be loved and accepted just as much as the beautiful parts.
The themes and representation in this book are so incredibly important, but god, it got really heavy sometimes. I hesitate to speak too much about content warnings because it feels like treading close to spoilers and want to respect this amazing journey. If you have any concerns or questions I encourage you to reach out to me and ask.
This was my first excursion into Laqueur’s writing and the way she uses language to explore emotion and the complexities of human connection was such a moving experience.
This was an incredibly special reading experience and a fortnight into 2026 I know this will be one of my favourite reads of the year. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone like I did and to give this book a try. Also if you are able to get a physical copy of this book you totally should as the art contained within it makes for a stunning reading experience.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this arc and for creating such a moving piece of art.
The Great Dane is due to be released 13th January
”I love you” he said against Dane’s hair. “You gave my life back to me. You gave time back to me. I don’t want to waste or kill it anymore. I want to spend it
Consider following my instagram
Review of advance copy received from Author
HAPPY PUBLICATION DATE - JANUARY 13th 🥹❤️
There’s something magical about picking a book up and knowing right away it’s a masterpiece. A clear contender for my favorite of 2026, and it’s the beginning of January.
I don’t often read the litfic genre, but I feel that when I do, it’s an unforgettable experience - mostly with Fredrik Backman, and now I seem to have found a new author in whom I can put my complete trust.
The Great Dane is a very simple yet incredibly complex love story. Liko Greenman is grieving his dead teenage son and his ex-wife’s betrayal. Danelaw Strong has been profoundly hurt by both his life partners - Nomi is dead, and Ethan is gone in a different way. One night, on New Year’s Eve, these two beautiful, lost souls meet, and Universe itself knows they need each other in their lives. And I feel like I was sitting right next to Her, sighing and praying and crying for Liko and Dane to work.
Rarely does an author write first encounters that genuinely feel like fate, like these two people were always meant to meet, and they feel like finally arriving at a home they didn’t know was waiting for them. The attraction between Liko and Dane was undeniable, but it wasn’t just that - something about them screamed fated, meant-to-be, inevitable. Even despite Dane’s previous, soul-consuming relationship with Ethan and Nomi, and I’m in awe of Suanne Laqueur at how masterfully she managed to portray new love without diminishing the importance of the past, or making the present feel less.
Also - how refreshing it is, reading about characters in their 40s/50s!
I don’t even know how many times I’ve cried while getting to know (not only) Liko and Dane, and even now, at the end of this incredible journey of grief and healing and identity and love in all its forms, I can’t stop getting teary-eyed. The page count may look intimidating (over 600 pages), yet I still felt genuine sadness at 90 percent, not wanting to say goodbye to all the incredible human beings I had only just met.
I don’t even want to mention the kind of rare representation this book brings to the table; it almost feels like I would be robbing Dane of telling his own story. If queer litfic full of heart and characters who feel authentic is your thing, this is a gem, and going into it relatively blind is the best and most rewarding way.
Literary fiction truly is a great way for me to step out of my comfort zone and confront certain situations in terms of “life” rather than “tropes I usually dislike”. I should do it more often.
The writing itself is...wow. Let’s just say, I need my own printed copy, and not just because of that absolutely gorgeous cover. The storytelling is non-linear, almost meandering at times, yet always with purpose. Vivid and emotional, I was instantly transported, there with the people, and I didn’t want to emerge.
And the inclusion of the Three Hares and the Green Man lore with all the symbolism and anagrams and parallels with the characters’ lives? Genius, I loved every second of it.
I’m still a bit overwhelmed (read - wrecked) so thoughts kind of escape me, anything I try to put into words right now feels inadequate. I’m going to point you to Marieke’s beautiful review that put this book on my radar, making me feel like “Yes. This. I need this.”
I’ll be thinking for a very long time not only about the Great Danelaw and the Green Man, but also Ethan Hasen. That man, for some reason, makes me want to cry the most (maybe it’s the asexual identity we share), and I would read another 600 pages centered around him.
And every time I’m down, I’ll be thinking of trampolines. Of leather vests acting as corsets to “keep all the edges in”. I might need one. What a revelation.
Don’t skip the Author Notes like many probably tend to do. Not if you want to cry one more time.
I want to give a huge thank you to Suanne Laqueur for approving my request to read this as an e-ARC, I appreciate it so much.
There’s something magical about picking a book up and knowing right away it’s a masterpiece. A clear contender for my favorite of 2026, and it’s the beginning of January.
I don’t often read the litfic genre, but I feel that when I do, it’s an unforgettable experience - mostly with Fredrik Backman, and now I seem to have found a new author in whom I can put my complete trust.
The Great Dane is a very simple yet incredibly complex love story. Liko Greenman is grieving his dead teenage son and his ex-wife’s betrayal. Danelaw Strong has been profoundly hurt by both his life partners - Nomi is dead, and Ethan is gone in a different way. One night, on New Year’s Eve, these two beautiful, lost souls meet, and Universe itself knows they need each other in their lives. And I feel like I was sitting right next to Her, sighing and praying and crying for Liko and Dane to work.
Rarely does an author write first encounters that genuinely feel like fate, like these two people were always meant to meet, and they feel like finally arriving at a home they didn’t know was waiting for them. The attraction between Liko and Dane was undeniable, but it wasn’t just that - something about them screamed fated, meant-to-be, inevitable. Even despite Dane’s previous, soul-consuming relationship with Ethan and Nomi, and I’m in awe of Suanne Laqueur at how masterfully she managed to portray new love without diminishing the importance of the past, or making the present feel less.
Also - how refreshing it is, reading about characters in their 40s/50s!
I don’t even know how many times I’ve cried while getting to know (not only) Liko and Dane, and even now, at the end of this incredible journey of grief and healing and identity and love in all its forms, I can’t stop getting teary-eyed. The page count may look intimidating (over 600 pages), yet I still felt genuine sadness at 90 percent, not wanting to say goodbye to all the incredible human beings I had only just met.
I don’t even want to mention the kind of rare representation this book brings to the table; it almost feels like I would be robbing Dane of telling his own story. If queer litfic full of heart and characters who feel authentic is your thing, this is a gem, and going into it relatively blind is the best and most rewarding way.
Literary fiction truly is a great way for me to step out of my comfort zone and confront certain situations in terms of “life” rather than “tropes I usually dislike”. I should do it more often.
The writing itself is...wow. Let’s just say, I need my own printed copy, and not just because of that absolutely gorgeous cover. The storytelling is non-linear, almost meandering at times, yet always with purpose. Vivid and emotional, I was instantly transported, there with the people, and I didn’t want to emerge.
And the inclusion of the Three Hares and the Green Man lore with all the symbolism and anagrams and parallels with the characters’ lives? Genius, I loved every second of it.
I’m still a bit overwhelmed (read - wrecked) so thoughts kind of escape me, anything I try to put into words right now feels inadequate. I’m going to point you to Marieke’s beautiful review that put this book on my radar, making me feel like “Yes. This. I need this.”
I’ll be thinking for a very long time not only about the Great Danelaw and the Green Man, but also Ethan Hasen. That man, for some reason, makes me want to cry the most (maybe it’s the asexual identity we share), and I would read another 600 pages centered around him.
And every time I’m down, I’ll be thinking of trampolines. Of leather vests acting as corsets to “keep all the edges in”. I might need one. What a revelation.
Don’t skip the Author Notes like many probably tend to do. Not if you want to cry one more time.
I want to give a huge thank you to Suanne Laqueur for approving my request to read this as an e-ARC, I appreciate it so much.
November 17, 2025
It’s one of those the rarest of books with not a misplaced word or beat missed. Moving, anngsty and exquisite, it is a masterpiece in human frailty, identity readjustment and existentialism.
Suanne dazzles you with well penned prose inspired by archeological marvel of “Three Hares” . It intrigues her and she passes that mystery to us
The problem with such a rich buffet of literature is that it ruins your appetite for anything that follows. I took my time savoring all morsels, going back for second reads, sometimes taking a break between chapters to make it fit into my real world. Whenever you open one of Suzanne’s books, the world ceases to exist beyond its pages. The impact settles in like a thick fog keeping me in daze for years to come.
“It’s beyond realism. It’s hyper-realism. He calls it pathological perfectionism.”
I was captivated from page one. The Violet Eyed fox- Liko Greenman is grief stricken, unmoored human. Trying to survive on one breath at a time, till a mysterious letter holds his shoulder and points him towards Shoenfeld Farms to find that elusive clue to his son's obsession with the game, to find a purpose to keep breathing, a trampoline to keep bouncing.
I’ve yet to read a more poignant description of loss and life beyond it. Tears streamed down my face at raw, abject desolation faced by Liko and at some point Danelaw Strong.
A dichotomy of personalities. A yin-yang of physicality, something akin to “Ardhnarishwar”
Mythology has it that Hindu god couple -Shiva & Parvati were both halves in one body, such was their amalgamation. Dane kinda reminds me of that. He alone is an entire universe in himself.
But his heart is lonely and grappling with abandonment. The way his soul responds and attaches to Liko’s, propels him into a dizzying orbit of sentiments that takes him a while to decipher. Unshackling from his guilt takes time, but once they connect, it’s a delightful sigh of relief for all of us. Maisie , huff, saskia, even Ethan.
“Well I'm a thing. Add I’d like to be the next”
No matter how much I wax poetic, I can never truly capture the beauty of what I just read and walked through.
My 79+ highlights of the book should be an indicator of how engrossed and consumed I was from start to finish
“Kilo Coil Stars from Danelaw’s mission of peace”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Suanne dazzles you with well penned prose inspired by archeological marvel of “Three Hares” . It intrigues her and she passes that mystery to us
The problem with such a rich buffet of literature is that it ruins your appetite for anything that follows. I took my time savoring all morsels, going back for second reads, sometimes taking a break between chapters to make it fit into my real world. Whenever you open one of Suzanne’s books, the world ceases to exist beyond its pages. The impact settles in like a thick fog keeping me in daze for years to come.
“It’s beyond realism. It’s hyper-realism. He calls it pathological perfectionism.”
I was captivated from page one. The Violet Eyed fox- Liko Greenman is grief stricken, unmoored human. Trying to survive on one breath at a time, till a mysterious letter holds his shoulder and points him towards Shoenfeld Farms to find that elusive clue to his son's obsession with the game, to find a purpose to keep breathing, a trampoline to keep bouncing.
I’ve yet to read a more poignant description of loss and life beyond it. Tears streamed down my face at raw, abject desolation faced by Liko and at some point Danelaw Strong.
A dichotomy of personalities. A yin-yang of physicality, something akin to “Ardhnarishwar”
Mythology has it that Hindu god couple -Shiva & Parvati were both halves in one body, such was their amalgamation. Dane kinda reminds me of that. He alone is an entire universe in himself.
But his heart is lonely and grappling with abandonment. The way his soul responds and attaches to Liko’s, propels him into a dizzying orbit of sentiments that takes him a while to decipher. Unshackling from his guilt takes time, but once they connect, it’s a delightful sigh of relief for all of us. Maisie , huff, saskia, even Ethan.
“Well I'm a thing. Add I’d like to be the next”
No matter how much I wax poetic, I can never truly capture the beauty of what I just read and walked through.
My 79+ highlights of the book should be an indicator of how engrossed and consumed I was from start to finish
“Kilo Coil Stars from Danelaw’s mission of peace”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Review of advance copy received from Author
I want to first say thank you very much to author Suanne Laqueur for providing me this advanced copy of The Great Dane in exchange for an honest review. This book is officially available tomorrow ( just a few hours) 1/13/26.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grab your scrabble tiles!
There’s a reason I’m a reader & not an author - I’ve never been great with words so I cannot properly express the feelings this story made me feel. I didn’t expect it to take me so long to read this book - an unexpected hospital trip on my end & the fact that I did not realize this book is over 400 pages. Typically, I read short whimsy stories and I do not play video games so I fully expected this to be outside my normal choices - but, we are all a bit fluid after all. What I didn’t expect is that I would have to put the story down at times to just process emotional moments as if I were there as a friend of the character, listening to them tell their story. I wanted to wrap my arms around the Great Dane & protect him as if I was Maisie. The characters are so genuine and quirky that I couldn’t help but find myself invested. As a reader, I’m not one to mark up my books with tabs or pen, but I felt compelled to note & highlight so many parts of this story that resonated with me - genuine & heartfelt. Not often am I moved by a book’s dedication page but even that seemed to scream out to my soul - and the ending ode to it was everything. This story was a beautiful reminder that love is unique, beautiful, and limitless. A reminder that your best self doesn’t need to be defined by the world standards - the right pipple will love you EXACTLY for who you are!! The video game/puzzle sprinkled throughout the story was a light hearted funness that balanced out the seriousness of these characters histories. I was not familiar with the three hares motif or its history prior to this book but it definitely opened up a spiral down a rabbit hole of fascination. #thegreatdane #lgbtqbooks #threehares #literaryfiction
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grab your scrabble tiles!
There’s a reason I’m a reader & not an author - I’ve never been great with words so I cannot properly express the feelings this story made me feel. I didn’t expect it to take me so long to read this book - an unexpected hospital trip on my end & the fact that I did not realize this book is over 400 pages. Typically, I read short whimsy stories and I do not play video games so I fully expected this to be outside my normal choices - but, we are all a bit fluid after all. What I didn’t expect is that I would have to put the story down at times to just process emotional moments as if I were there as a friend of the character, listening to them tell their story. I wanted to wrap my arms around the Great Dane & protect him as if I was Maisie. The characters are so genuine and quirky that I couldn’t help but find myself invested. As a reader, I’m not one to mark up my books with tabs or pen, but I felt compelled to note & highlight so many parts of this story that resonated with me - genuine & heartfelt. Not often am I moved by a book’s dedication page but even that seemed to scream out to my soul - and the ending ode to it was everything. This story was a beautiful reminder that love is unique, beautiful, and limitless. A reminder that your best self doesn’t need to be defined by the world standards - the right pipple will love you EXACTLY for who you are!! The video game/puzzle sprinkled throughout the story was a light hearted funness that balanced out the seriousness of these characters histories. I was not familiar with the three hares motif or its history prior to this book but it definitely opened up a spiral down a rabbit hole of fascination. #thegreatdane #lgbtqbooks #threehares #literaryfiction
Review of advance copy received from Author
The first word that comes to mind when I think of The Great Dane is “unexpected.” Before starting this ARC, I thought for sure this would be the first book by this author that I didn’t immediately fall in love with. A video game with a quest? Eh, probably not for me. But I should’ve known better. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’d read Ms. Laqueur’s grocery list because I’m sure she’d make it interesting.
Yes, there’s a video game quest involved, but it’s not the point of the book. Instead, it’s what brings two grieving people together to explore who they were, who they are, and who they will become. The characters are deep and interesting, and as usual with Ms. Laqueur’s work, I even fell in love with the secondary characters. The story made me stop and think, way more than most books do these days. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. At times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room, but whenever I put it down I’d immediately want to pick it right back up. I NEEDED to know more about Liko and Dane. Needed to watch them find their way through their grief. Needed to see their history and how they came to be who they are today, separately and together. The way the bits of the game are woven into the story is nothing short of magical.
Another amazing story that I will definitely read again.
Yes, there’s a video game quest involved, but it’s not the point of the book. Instead, it’s what brings two grieving people together to explore who they were, who they are, and who they will become. The characters are deep and interesting, and as usual with Ms. Laqueur’s work, I even fell in love with the secondary characters. The story made me stop and think, way more than most books do these days. I laughed and cried right along with the characters. At times I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room, but whenever I put it down I’d immediately want to pick it right back up. I NEEDED to know more about Liko and Dane. Needed to watch them find their way through their grief. Needed to see their history and how they came to be who they are today, separately and together. The way the bits of the game are woven into the story is nothing short of magical.
Another amazing story that I will definitely read again.
December 21, 2025
I insist on giving this book infinite stars.
It's impossible to adequately review something with so much depth. My soul doesn't have sufficient words for how much this story affected me.
I listen to instrumental music while reading. Sometimes a song will play at exactly the right time to really build a perfect backdrop/soundtrack.
I created a playlist based on the songs that hit hard during specific scenes in the book.
You can find it here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ou...
For a breakdown of what songs went where:
Track 1: Dane & Liko's song for me
Track 2: Chapter: The Wrong Way
Track 3: Where Naomi invents her family tree
Track 4: Chapter: Blaschko's Lines
Track 5: Chapter: The Graylock Protocol
Track 6: Catharsis while reading
Track 7: General vibes
Track 8: Chapter: Tinner Wheeled
Track 9: Chapter: Paderborn
Track 10: The portrait of Kyle unveiled
Track 11: Suanne's author note
Track 12: Post-read book hangover
Track 13: Random feels while reading
It's impossible to adequately review something with so much depth. My soul doesn't have sufficient words for how much this story affected me.
I listen to instrumental music while reading. Sometimes a song will play at exactly the right time to really build a perfect backdrop/soundtrack.
I created a playlist based on the songs that hit hard during specific scenes in the book.
You can find it here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ou...
For a breakdown of what songs went where:
Track 1: Dane & Liko's song for me
Track 2: Chapter: The Wrong Way
Track 3: Where Naomi invents her family tree
Track 4: Chapter: Blaschko's Lines
Track 5: Chapter: The Graylock Protocol
Track 6: Catharsis while reading
Track 7: General vibes
Track 8: Chapter: Tinner Wheeled
Track 9: Chapter: Paderborn
Track 10: The portrait of Kyle unveiled
Track 11: Suanne's author note
Track 12: Post-read book hangover
Track 13: Random feels while reading
November 16, 2025
I've had to let the book sink in a bit before saying anything about it - but it doesn't get easier. There is just so much I could write about, so much to consider, so much to feel!
It's definitely an emotional story. You want to know how the book is going to be? Just read the first part of the blurb. Go ahead, I'll wait...
This sets the tone and the rest is a mild yet wild journey through life, time, memories and love. Definitely worth your time, definitely lots to think about, lots to feel.
So yes, you've taken the first step and read the blurb. The book itself will be worth it. Not easy. Emotional. Absolutely worth it.
It's definitely an emotional story. You want to know how the book is going to be? Just read the first part of the blurb. Go ahead, I'll wait...
This sets the tone and the rest is a mild yet wild journey through life, time, memories and love. Definitely worth your time, definitely lots to think about, lots to feel.
So yes, you've taken the first step and read the blurb. The book itself will be worth it. Not easy. Emotional. Absolutely worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Suanne Laqueur has a way with words and storytelling. The Great Dane is no exception. I was enraptured by the story of the Three Hares and most definitely by Dane and Liko’s journey.
This story has so much heart. The depth to the characters not only Dane and Liko but also Naomi and Ethan made The Great Dane shine.
There’s also difficult topics such a grief, death, cancer but they are handled with so much care.
Dane’s journey was so important and well written.
The Great Dane oozes love and I appreciate Dane’s love for Ethan and Naomi was a constant throughout the story.
Liko and Dane along with The Three Hares made my heart sing.
This story has so much heart. The depth to the characters not only Dane and Liko but also Naomi and Ethan made The Great Dane shine.
There’s also difficult topics such a grief, death, cancer but they are handled with so much care.
Dane’s journey was so important and well written.
The Great Dane oozes love and I appreciate Dane’s love for Ethan and Naomi was a constant throughout the story.
Liko and Dane along with The Three Hares made my heart sing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing...simply amazing.
Time is a thief, grief is a bandit, but love is a creator.
This story isn't one you want to race through to get to the end, this one is meant to be ingested, pondered....savored.
My first read of 2026 deserves infinite stars just for the simple fact that it made me slow down and contemplate...question...feel (yes, a few tears have been shed.)
I encourage everyone to take this journey, the emotions are real and raw, and I guarantee this story is going to resonate in some unexpected way. ❤️
Time is a thief, grief is a bandit, but love is a creator.
This story isn't one you want to race through to get to the end, this one is meant to be ingested, pondered....savored.
My first read of 2026 deserves infinite stars just for the simple fact that it made me slow down and contemplate...question...feel (yes, a few tears have been shed.)
I encourage everyone to take this journey, the emotions are real and raw, and I guarantee this story is going to resonate in some unexpected way. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thought provoking and extremely empathic, The Great Dane is a beautiful tribute to the unique. The depth of kindness and goodness that radiates throughout is something to behold. The way the author weaves the heavy with the joy is an art. To be fair though, she had me at the dedication.
Read
December 8, 2025I took my sweet time with this. RTC.
December 19, 2025
Absolutely stunning! RTC
December 20, 2025
Just finished. A feast to be savored. There is no better world builder than Suanne Laqueur. RTC.
December 1, 2025
Reading The Great Dane was truly an experience to be savored. I felt that each character and their circumstances were given dignity, so much dignity, through the often agonizing pain, the love and loss. It is a true work of brilliance; I learned, I loved, I cried and mourned, I celebrated. Thank you for the advance offering, The Great Dane is epic. Dare I say it is Suanne's Soup? I mean Suanne's Opus! All the stars.
December 15, 2025
When I sit down to write a review for a Suanne Laqueur book, I freeze. My thoughts seem insufficient and the words won’t come. I seem incapable of more than “I loved it!” But I’ll try, because I really, really loved it.
The Great Dane is so beautifully written. It’s deeply emotional and cleverly crafted, pulling me into the story so completely, I felt as though I was part of that world. I never wanted to leave. Liko and Dane are such wonderful characters, and while it took me a little longer to connect with Dane, I fell completely in love with his beautiful soul. These two men have both suffered great loss. Their grief is so intense, it’s almost tangible. But there’s such beauty in their healing.
The Three Hares is one of the most special elements of this story to me. The tales, the images, the Hare Ring, the Chamber of the Green Man. The stories of these three hares and their bond. It’s quite brilliant and beautiful and heartbreaking, and it gives so much depth and hope to this story.
This is so much more than a five-star book. It’s phenomenal.
The Great Dane is so beautifully written. It’s deeply emotional and cleverly crafted, pulling me into the story so completely, I felt as though I was part of that world. I never wanted to leave. Liko and Dane are such wonderful characters, and while it took me a little longer to connect with Dane, I fell completely in love with his beautiful soul. These two men have both suffered great loss. Their grief is so intense, it’s almost tangible. But there’s such beauty in their healing.
The Three Hares is one of the most special elements of this story to me. The tales, the images, the Hare Ring, the Chamber of the Green Man. The stories of these three hares and their bond. It’s quite brilliant and beautiful and heartbreaking, and it gives so much depth and hope to this story.
This is so much more than a five-star book. It’s phenomenal.
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